FAI withdraws Infantino support as IFA backs Uefa

What the report says

The Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn its support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, BBC Sport reports, after fresh criticism over his handling of a proposed sale of a stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to a private investment firm. That plan has since been abandoned, but the controversy has intensified pressure on Infantino as he seeks a fourth term leading world football.

According to the BBC, the FAI said its board decided to rescind an earlier letter of support and informed Fifa of its reasons. The association said recent developments had raised concerns about governance, transparency and a lack of meaningful consultation, adding that it felt a duty to back best practice given its own recent governance difficulties. The FAI is the governing body for football in the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish Football Association, which runs the game in Northern Ireland, did not formally withdraw support but said it backs Uefa’s current position. Uefa joined Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation in an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust through deception. The IFA said it was taking the issue seriously and would continue to engage through the proper governance channels.

The BBC noted that the Welsh FA and then the FA had already withdrawn support, leaving Infantino under growing pressure from several home nations and European football bodies.